Quick Answer
The best way to get from Bantimurung National Park to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) is by taxi or ride-hailing service (Grab / Gojek). The journey covers approximately 35–40 km and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. The total cost ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 IDR (10–17 USD) — offering the best balance of convenience, reliability, and value for most travelers. If you are on a tight budget, public transport is available for around 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3.3 USD) but requires 2–3 transfers and takes up to 2 hours.
Train & Railway Info
Does a train connect Bantimurung National Park to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport? No. South Sulawesi's railway network is still limited and currently operates only on the Makassar–Parepare corridor, which does not serve the Maros area (where Bantimurung is located) or the airport. There are no train stations within walking distance of the park or the airport terminal.
Why Trains Are Not an Option for This Route
- No track connection: The existing rail line runs inland via Maros but stops at Maros Station — which is about 12 km from Bantimurung and 25 km from the airport. Even if you took a train to Maros Station, you would still need a taxi or angkot for the remaining journey.
- Limited service frequency: The Makassar–Parepare train runs only 4–6 times daily, making it impractical for airport connections.
- No direct airport rail link: Unlike Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta or Kuala Lumpur's KLIA, Sultan Hasanuddin Airport has no rail connection. All passengers must use road transport.
If You Are Coming from Further Away by Train
If you are traveling from cities like Parepare, Sengkang, or Barru and planning to fly out of Makassar, you can take the train to Makassar City Station (Stasiun Makassar) and then take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the airport (approximately 30–40 minutes, 80,000–120,000 IDR / 5–8 USD). This combined option is used by some budget travelers from northern South Sulawesi.
| Station | Distance to Bantimurung | Distance to Airport | Train Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maros Station | ~12 km | ~25 km | 4 trains/day |
| Makassar City Station | ~35 km | ~20 km | 6 trains/day |
Flight & Airport Info
Do you need a flight to get from Bantimurung to the airport? No. The distance is only 35–40 km — far too short for any commercial flight. However, understanding the airport's flight network is useful if you are connecting to other destinations.
Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) Overview
- IATA code: UPG
- Location: 20 km northeast of Makassar city center, in the district of Maros.
- Domestic routes: Jakarta (CGK), Surabaya (SUB), Bali (DPS), Yogyakarta (YIA), Balikpapan (BPN), Manado (MDC), and more.
- International routes: Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Jeddah (JED) — mainly for pilgrimage traffic.
- Annual passengers: Over 10 million (2023 data), making it the busiest airport in eastern Indonesia.
Why Flying Is Not an Option for This Short Trip
Commercial flights are designed for long distances. Even if you considered a private charter helicopter (available through services like White Sky Aviation), the cost would exceed 3,000,000 IDR (200 USD) for a 15-minute flight — highly impractical compared to a 150,000 IDR taxi ride.
If You Are Connecting to Another Flight
If you are heading to the airport to catch a domestic or international flight, the key advice is: allow at least 3 hours before departure for check-in, security, and potential delays. The airport has two terminals — Terminal A for international and Terminal B for domestic — so confirm your terminal in advance.
| Destination | Flight Time | Airline Examples | Typical Fare (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta (CGK) | 2h 30m | Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air | 600,000–1,200,000 IDR (40–80 USD) |
| Surabaya (SUB) | 1h 40m | Lion Air, Wings Air | 400,000–900,000 IDR (27–60 USD) |
| Bali (DPS) | 1h 20m | Garuda, Indonesia AirAsia | 500,000–1,000,000 IDR (33–67 USD) |
| Singapore (SIN) | 2h 50m | Scoot, Garuda | 1,200,000–2,500,000 IDR (80–167 USD) |
Bus & Public Transport
There is no direct highway bus from Bantimurung to the airport. South Sulawesi does not have a dedicated airport express bus service. However, a combination of local public transport (angkot + large bus) is available for budget travelers.
Step-by-Step Public Transport Route
- Bantimurung → Maros Town: Take an angkot (local minibus, green route) from the park entrance to Pasar Maros (Maros Market). Frequency: every 15–30 minutes. Cost: 5,000–10,000 IDR (0.3–0.7 USD). Time: 15–20 minutes.
- Maros → Makassar (Terminal Daya): From Maros Market, board a large bus (yellow "Maros–Makassar" route) to Terminal Daya — the main bus terminal in northern Makassar. Frequency: every 20 minutes. Cost: 15,000–25,000 IDR (1–1.7 USD). Time: 40–50 minutes.
- Terminal Daya → Airport: From Terminal Daya, take an angkot or a Pete-pete (minibus) heading toward the airport. Frequency: every 30 minutes. Cost: 10,000–15,000 IDR (0.7–1 USD). Time: 25–35 minutes.
Night Bus Service
There is no dedicated night bus on this route. Public transport in South Sulawesi generally operates from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If you have a late-night flight, you must rely on taxis or ride-hailing services.
Budget & Comfort Considerations
- Total cost: 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3.3 USD) — the cheapest option.
- Total time: 1.5–2 hours (vs. 45 minutes by taxi).
- Luggage: Angkots and buses have limited luggage space. If you have large suitcases, this option is not recommended.
- Comfort: Buses are not air-conditioned on most routes. Bring water and a hat.
| Segment | Vehicle Type | Cost (IDR) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantimurung → Maros Market | Angkot (green) | 5,000–10,000 | 15–20 min |
| Maros Market → Terminal Daya | Large bus (yellow) | 15,000–25,000 | 40–50 min |
| Terminal Daya → Airport | Angkot / Pete-pete | 10,000–15,000 | 25–35 min |
| Total | — | 30,000–50,000 | 1.5–2 h |
Source: Dinas Perhubungan Sulawesi Selatan (South Sulawesi Transport Agency)
Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Recommended)
This is the best travel option for most visitors. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek) provide a direct, comfortable, and reliable connection from Bantimurung National Park to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.
Option A: Ride-Hailing (Grab / Gojek)
- Estimated fare: 130,000–220,000 IDR (9–15 USD) depending on demand and time of day.
- Availability: Good in Maros area, but may have fewer drivers than in Makassar city. Pre-booking via the app is recommended.
- Car types: GrabCar (standard) and GrabCar Plus (larger vehicle for groups/luggage).
- Payment: Cash or credit card linked to the app.
- Tip: Use the "Share My Ride" feature to let someone track your journey.
Option B: Regular Taxi
- Estimated fare: 150,000–250,000 IDR (10–17 USD) — fixed price or meter.
- Where to find: Taxis can be arranged through your hotel or called via local taxi operators like Blue Bird Group (available in Makassar, but limited in Maros).
- Advice: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey, or insist on using the meter. Fixed prices from Bantimurung to the airport typically start at 180,000 IDR.
Option C: Private Transfer / Car Hire with Driver
- Estimated cost: 200,000–350,000 IDR (13–23 USD) depending on vehicle type and provider.
- Best for: Groups of 3–5 people, families with children, or travelers with heavy luggage.
- Providers: Local travel agencies in Makassar offer private transfers. You can also book via platforms like Traveloka or Klook (search "Makassar airport transfer").
- Advantage: Door-to-door service, flexible pick-up time, no surge pricing.
When to Choose Taxi / Private Transfer Over Other Options
- Late-night or early-morning flights: Public transport stops running after 7 PM. Taxis are available 24/7.
- Traveling with children or elderly: Direct, air-conditioned comfort reduces fatigue.
- Heavy luggage: Angkots and buses have limited space; taxis offer ample trunk room.
- Time-sensitive: If you have a tight connection, a taxi is the most reliable option.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabCar / Gojek | 130,000–220,000 | 9–15 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Regular Taxi (meter) | 150,000–250,000 | 10–17 | Standard airport transfer |
| Private Transfer (sedan) | 200,000–300,000 | 13–20 | Families, groups of 3–4 |
| Private Transfer (MPV/SUV) | 300,000–450,000 | 20–30 | Large groups (5–7 pax) |
Source: Grab Indonesia – Official Site & Gojek Official Site
Cost & Ticket Comparison
This table compares all available transport options from Bantimurung National Park to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport at a glance.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (IDR) | Total Cost (USD) | Comfort | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Taxi / Ride-Hailing | 45 min – 1 h | 130,000–250,000 | 9–17 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0 | Most travelers (BEST) |
| Private Transfer | 45 min – 1 h | 200,000–350,000 | 13–23 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0 | Groups, families |
| 💰 Public Transport | 1.5–2 h | 30,000–50,000 | 2–3.3 | ⭐⭐ | 2–3 | Budget travelers (CHEAPEST) |
| Car Rental (self-drive) | 45 min – 1 h | 300,000–500,000/day | 20–33/day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0 | Travelers exploring region |
| Train (via Maros Station) | Not practical | Not recommended | — | — | 2+ | Not suitable for this route |
| Helicopter Charter | 15 min | 3,000,000+ | 200+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0 | Luxury / emergency only |
Where to Book
- Ride-hailing: Download Grab or Gojek apps. Register with a local SIM card for best results.
- Private transfer: Book via Traveloka or Klook — search "Makassar airport transfer".
- Car rental: Compare prices on RentalCars.com or local agencies at the airport arrival hall.
Traveler Tips & Experience
Real-world advice from experienced travelers to make your journey smoother.
🚕 Luggage & Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery)
If you are traveling with large suitcases and plan to use public transport, consider using baggage delivery services (known as "Takkyubin" in Japan — but in Indonesia, similar services are offered by JNE or SiCepat). You can send your luggage from your hotel in Makassar to the airport for around 50,000–70,000 IDR (3.3–4.7 USD) per bag. This allows you to travel light and enjoy Bantimurung without heavy bags.
🕒 Traffic & Timing
- Peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM): Traffic on Jl. Poros Maros–Makassar can be heavy. Add 20–30 minutes to your journey.
- Friday prayer time (11:30 AM–1:30 PM): Roads around mosques may be congested.
- Rainy season (November–March): Flash flooding can occur on low-lying roads. Allow extra time and carry an umbrella.
🏛️ Station & Terminal Navigation
- Terminal Daya in Makassar is a hub for buses from Maros. It can be chaotic — keep your belongings secure and ask for "Bandara" (airport) directions.
- Maros Market (Pasar Maros) is the main angkot terminal. Look for green angkots with "Bantimurung" signage.
👨👩👧 Traveling with Children
If you are traveling with young children, a private transfer is strongly recommended. Public transport involves multiple transfers and no air conditioning, which can be exhausting. Many private transfer providers offer child seats upon request — confirm when booking.
🌿 Combining Bantimurung & Airport in One Day
Many travelers visit Bantimurung National Park in the morning and fly out in the afternoon. This is feasible if you:
- Arrive at the park by 8:00 AM.
- Spend 3–4 hours exploring (butterfly sanctuary, waterfall, cave).
- Leave the park by 12:00 PM.
- Take a taxi to the airport (45 min) — arriving by 1:00 PM for a 3:00 PM+ flight.
📱 Useful Apps & Resources
- Grab / Gojek: For ride-hailing and food delivery.
- Google Maps: For real-time traffic and public transport routes.
- Traveloka / Tiket.com: For booking flights and private transfers.
- KAI Access: For checking train schedules (if you plan to use trains elsewhere in Java/Sulawesi).
Source: Community feedback from TripAdvisor Sulawesi Forum and Lonely Planet Sulawesi Guide
FAQs: Bantimurung to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Bantimurung National Park to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You must take an angkot to Maros, then a bus to Makassar's Terminal Daya, and finally another angkot to the airport. Total cost: 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3.3 USD). Total time: 1.5–2 hours.
2. How much does a taxi from Bantimurung to the airport cost?
A standard taxi costs 150,000–250,000 IDR (10–17 USD). Grab/Gojek ranges from 130,000–220,000 IDR (9–15 USD). Always agree on the fare beforehand or use the app's fixed price.
3. Can I use Grab or Gojek from Bantimurung National Park?
Yes, both apps operate in the Maros area, but driver availability is lower than in Makassar city. Pre-booking via the app is recommended, especially for early morning or late-night rides.
4. How long does it take to get from Bantimurung to the airport?
By taxi or ride-hailing: 45 minutes to 1 hour (35–40 km). By public transport: 1.5–2 hours due to multiple transfers. During peak traffic, add 20–30 minutes.
5. Is there a train from Bantimurung to Makassar airport?
No. South Sulawesi's railway line (Makassar–Parepare) does not serve the airport or Bantimurung area. The nearest station is Maros Station, about 12 km from the park and 25 km from the airport — not a practical option for this route.
6. What is the cheapest way to get from Bantimurung to the airport?
Public transport (angkot + bus + angkot) costs 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3.3 USD) and takes 1.5–2 hours. It is the cheapest option but involves 2–3 transfers and no air conditioning.
7. Can I rent a car at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and drive to Bantimurung?
Yes. Car rental counters are available at the airport arrival hall. Rates start from 300,000 IDR (20 USD) per day. The drive to Bantimurung takes 40–50 minutes via Jl. Poros Maros–Makassar. An international driving permit is recommended.
8. Is it safe to travel from Bantimurung to the airport at night?
Yes, it is generally safe. The main road is well-paved and lit in most sections. Use a reputable taxi or ride-hailing service with GPS tracking. Avoid public transport after dark due to limited availability and safety concerns.